Category: American Idioms

American Idiom: on the ball

On the ball  – means being attentive and competent.

A working knowledge of frequently used idioms is essential in order to naturally communicate with Americans. Learn to speak English fluently with Poly Languages.

Watch the full video below to learn about the idiom, on the ball

Video Transcript

on the ball

She was on the ball, catching all mistakes on the report. She did a great job!

On the ball  – means being attentive and competent.

Here are example sentences :

Alan was right on the ball, making sound decisions. He’s a reliable manager.

James did not sleep very well last night. That’s why he’s not on the ball today.

Let’s do an exercise!

For each question, replace a word or words in a sentence with the idiom so that the meaning of the sentence is not changed. You have five seconds per question.

Question 1:

It’s hard to be attentive when you’re tired.

It’s hard to be on the ball when you’re tired.

Question 2:

Please be very attentive to this customer’s special order. She is a big client of ours.

Please be on the ball to this customer’s special order. She is a big client of ours.

Practice makes perfect!

A working knowledge of frequently used idioms is essential in order to naturally communicate with Americans. Learn to speak English fluently with Poly Languages.

More questions here!

Question 1:

My assistant is amazing. He’s always alert in noticing mistakes and offering valuable suggestions.

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Question 2:

Thanks to Mary for being very attentive with the inventory

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American Idiom: bend over backwards

To bend over backwards – means to work extra hard to accommodate or help someone.

A working knowledge of frequently used idioms is essential in order to naturally communicate with Americans. Learn to speak English fluently with Poly Languages.

Watch the full video below to learn about the idiom, bend over backwards

Video Transcript

to bend over backwards

Amy has been bending over backwards to help her friend in need of help. 

To bend over backwards – means to work extra hard to accommodate or help someone.

Here are example sentences :

Gregory bends over backwards to please his boss. He often puts overtime to get things done.

Amy is tired of bending over backwards to help him. He’s never shown any gratitude.

Let’s do an exercise!

For each question, replace a word or words in a sentence with the idiom so that the meaning of the sentence is not changed. You have five seconds per question.

Question 1:

My parents worked extra hard to put me through medical school.

My parents bent over backwards to put me through medical school.

Question 2:

Carolyn always works extra hard to satisfy all her customers. 

Carolyn always bends over backwards to satisfy all her customers.

Practice makes perfect!

A working knowledge of frequently used idioms is essential in order to naturally communicate with Americans. Learn to speak English fluently with Poly Languages.

More questions here!

Question 1:

He will work extra hard just to help you.

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Question 2:

Our hosts were amazing people and they work very hard just to keep us comfortable.

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American Idiom: piece of cake

A piece of cake – means something easy or simple to do. It has nothing to do with cake.

A working knowledge of frequently used idioms is essential in order to naturally communicate with Americans. Learn to speak English fluently with Poly Languages.

Watch the full video below to learn about the idiom, piece of cake

Video Transcript

a piece of cake

I finished the math test in 20 minutes. It was a piece of cake.

A piece of cake – means something easy or simple to do. It has nothing to do with cake.

Here are example sentences :

I was told that the exam would be difficult, but it was a piece of cake. The exam was very easy.

Cooking spaghetti was a piece of cake. It’s one of the easiest dishes to cook.

Let’s do an exercise!

For each question, replace a word or words in a sentence with the idiom so that the meaning of the sentence is not changed. You have five seconds per question.

Question 1:

Homework was easy.

Homework was a piece of cake.

Question 2:

It’s doable, but it’s not easy for everyone.

It’s doable, but it’s not a piece of cake for everyone.

Practice makes perfect!

A working knowledge of frequently used idioms is essential in order to naturally communicate with Americans. Learn to speak English fluently with Poly Languages.

More questions here!

Question 1:

My Math exam is very easy!

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Question 2:

Cooking eggs is very easy!

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Learn more Idioms with American Teachers here in POLY! Apply now!

American Idiom: under the weather

Under the weather means to be sick or ill.

A working knowledge of frequently used idioms is essential in order to naturally communicate with Americans. Learn to speak English fluently with Poly Languages.

Watch the full video below to learn about the idiom, under the weather.

Video Transcript

I won’t be able to attend the party tonight. I am feeling under the weather.

‘Under the weather’ means to be sick or ill.

Here are example sentences :

Patricia is under the weather because she has the flu.

She doesn’t feel like attending the meeting today. I think she’s a bit under the weather.

Let’s do an exercise!

For each question, replace a word or words in a sentence with the idiom so that the meaning of the sentence is not changed. You have five seconds per question.

Question 1:

Alice has been feeling sick since she left L.A.

Alice has been feeling under the weather since she left L.A.

Question 2:

I usually feel ill for a few days when the seasons change from fall to winter.

I usually feel under the weather for a few days when the seasons change from fall to winter.

Practice makes perfect!

A working knowledge of frequently used idioms is essential in order to naturally communicate with Americans. Learn to speak English fluently with Poly Languages.

More questions here!

Question 1:

I’m sorry but I really can’t come to work today. I feel a little bit sick.

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Question 2:

I don’t feel going to the shopping mall later. I’m feeling a bit sick.

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Learn more Idioms with American Teachers here in POLY! Apply now!